Pitts opens mayoral campaign headquarters

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By Robbie Ward/NEMS Daily Journal

TUPELO – Surrounded by family and friends Wednesday at his campaign headquarters’ official opening, Fred Pitts explained to a group of supporters why he should be mayor.
With about two dozen people gathered in the same office space that served as former Gov. Haley Barbour’s Tupelo headquarters, Pitts said his business and government experience equip him with everything necessary to help the city move forward.
“I feel very comfortable that I can step in and get things done from the first day,” the Ward 2 city councilman told the group.
With no primary opponent, Republican Pitts will face attorney Jason Shelton, a Democrat, in the June 4 general election.
Pitts said he wanted to continue the direction current Mayor Jack Reed Jr. has taken the city, mentioning the construction of the aquatics center at Veterans Park in east Tupelo and the quality of department leaders in city government.
The Crosstown campaign headquarters at 705 West Main St. already has ward maps hanging on the wall with names of supporters living in the areas. Pitts said he’d need his team of supporters to help him win the election.
“In neighborhoods, it’s going to take me and everybody I can think of to help,” he said.
Among supporters at the headquarters opening, Cavett Otis, son of former mayor Larry Otis, said he felt good about Pitts leading the city.
“He understands what Tupelo is about,” Otis said. “We come together and make things happen.”